"London must learn from Beijing Olympic volunteers" say Libdems

11.46.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 8th Aug 2008

The Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing

Tower Hamlets Liberal Democrats are calling for an increased emphasis on the training of volunteers to feature in planning for the London Olympics and Paralympic Games in 2012.

Cllr Stephanie Eaton who has recently returned from Beijing, commented today "The Beijing games have fantastic facilities and it will be a great event for athletes and spectators. But the success of the games in Beijing will in part be due to the vast numbers of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who are at Metro stations, street corners and all the venues. These volunteers, many of them young people, have an important role in making the visitors and athletes feel comfortable and safe. However, it seems that some of the volunteers have only been recruited and trained at the last minute, and simple measures such as badges identifying the languages which the volunteers speak are missing. It will be important for the London organisers to look beyond the games venues and observe the work of the volunteers around the city. I urge the London Olympic organisers to listen and learn from the volunteers and the visitors who will rely on them."

Tower Hamlets Liberal Democrats are keen to see Tower Hamlets residents volunteering in the London Olympics and we will work to ensure the Council and the games organisers recruit and train volunteers in good time.